- Nile Special Stout Rugby Premier League – Matchday Eight
- Result: Pirates 33-11 Hippos
Black Pirates overcame a spirited Jinja Hippos outfit at Kings Park Stadium to set up a title decider going into the final matchday of the 2021 Nile Special Stout Rugby Premier League season.
Hippos were the first to strike in the first minute of the match courtesy of Maxwell Ebonga’s successful penalty attempt against the wind.
But Pirates responded almost immediately through Ivan Kabagambe who powered over the whitewash.
Early on, the visitors’ forwards dominated especially in the scrummage while the hosts’ backs were at full flight.
While Pirates had a solution to Hippos’ strong pack, the latter were unable to handle their opponents’ backs.
Two tries by winger Solomon Okia and full back Timothy Kisiga ensured that Pirates recovered and took a 21-06 lead into the break.
After the break, Kisiga and Ivan Magomu combined twice for two more tries to make it 33-06. It was too little too late for Hippos as they got a late try to end the match 33-11 in Pirates’ favour.
However, Pirates were not flawless on the day as their discipline, or lack thereof, haunted them. Michael Amolo and William Nkore were each sent to the bin for 10 minutes for major infringements.
The win thus sets up a title decider match between Pirates and Kobs on the final day of the season. It is a three-horse race with Kobs needing just one point and Pirates nothing less than a bonus point victory. Heathens will be lurking close by to snatch the title if the match ends in a draw.